Title of the Project:

LEFTOVER FOOD WASTE BIO GAS PLANT

Main Theme :Scientific and Mathematical Innovations

Sub Theme: Energy
Scientific Principle:
Biogas results from anaerobic fermentation of organic materials. Bio-gas systems, with the help of
bacteria, break down organic material/waste in an air-tight tank into bio-gas We have tried here a
compact biogas plant which uses LEFTOVER FOOD rather than dung/manure as feedstock, to
supply biogas for cooking.

Method/Procedure:

We have used two high-density polythene (HDPE) water tanks (eg. SYNTEX) with volumes of
typically 0.75m3 and 1m3. The smaller tank is the gas holder and is inverted over the larger one. The
larger tank holds the decomposing LEFTOVER FOOD and water (mixture). An inlet is provided for
adding feedstock, and an overflow for removing the digested residue. The overflow mixture can be
recycled into the plant. A pipe takes the bio-gas for consumption. The gas holder gradually rises as
gas is produced, and sinks down again as the gas is used. Weights are placed on the top of the gas
holder to increase the pressure of the gas.

Unique Features:

1.5 - 2 kg of LEFTOVER FOOD produces about 500 g of methane, and the reaction is
completed with 24 48 hours. The conventional biogas systems, using cattle dung, sewerage,
etc. use about 40 kg feedstock to produce the same quantity of methane, and require about 40
days to complete the reaction. Our system is 20 times as efficient as the conventional system,
and from the point of view of reaction time, it is 40 times as efficient.

Approximate Cost incurred and time spent: Rs.10000/- approx.

Application:

The Methane gas generated can be used for making breakfast, tea, coffee and even meals as
per seeing the family size. The cost of making can be reduced drastically and money can be
saved. This whole process is environment friendly pollution free.

Utility and Further Scope of the Exhibit/Project:

This can be used by rural and as well as urban households.

 Comparison
Leftover food Waste Bio- Conventional Bio-gas
gas System Systems
Amount of required feedstock 1.5kg 2kg+ 15ltr water 40kg + 40ltr water
Nature of required feedstock Left over Food waste Dung
Amount and nature of slurry to be disposed
15ltr, watery 80ltr, sludge
of
Reaction time for full utilization of
24-48hours 40 days
feedstock
Standard size for household 1,000-1,500ltr 4,000ltr

In a Our bio-gas system, a 1.5kg LEFT OVER food produces about 500gm of methane, and the
reaction is completed in 24 48 hours. Conventional bio-gas systems use cattle dung or
human excrete, and 40kg feedstock is required to produce the same quantity of methane. The
reaction time in conventional bio-gas systems is 40 days. Thus, our waste bio-gas system is 20
times more efficient than conventional bio-gas systems.

Presented by: 1. Anant Dalmia (Class-IX),

2. Deeksha Sharma (Class-IX)
Vikash Residential School,
Barahaguda Canal Chowk
Bargarh-768028, Orissa
(School Code:53022)